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Scrapper allegedly involved in East Cleveland house explosion released from police custody

Posted: 2:38 PM, Jun 14, 2018

Updated:2018-06-14 18:38:07Z

By:
Drew Scofield

One of the scrappers allegedly involved in Sunday's house explosion on East 125th Street in East Cleveland has been released from custody.

According to authorities, the man was the driver in a crew of four scrappers who authorities believed caused a natural gas leak during several trips back and forth to a scrap yard. One woman died in the explosion. A second person, a 51-year-old man, is still at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Police said that while the driver isn't currently facing any charges, future charges may be forthcoming from the prosecutor's office. The fourth crew member is still in custody and could likely be charged soon, according to police.

The explosion completely obliterated the home located at 1073 East 125th St. early Sunday afternoon. The blast leveled the home and sent a shockwave that was felt for miles. Neighboring houses near the epicenter of the explosion were deemed uninhabitable by authorities. Hundreds of homes were damaged in the explosion. Around ten residents were displaced.

According to authorities, the house was sold last month, but the new owners had yet to move in.